Classic Car Enthusiasts at The Dunstane Houses

Owning the Dunstane Houses is, as you might imagine, a time-consuming job. Running a hotel is the kind of labour of love that can take over your life. Which is why a lot of guests are surprised to learn that, for one of our owners, Derek, The Dunstane Houses isn’t his only passion project…

Derek Mowat has been fascinated by wheels since he started to walk. Growing up on South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, he spent much of his childhood in mechanics’ overalls, working with his father who owned the local village garage. Here, he was enchanted by engines, tinkering with an array of vehicles, absorbing everything his dad said and did, and getting a lot more oil-spattered than every other four-year-old on the island.

By the time he turned eight, Derek had seen hundreds of makes and models of car pass through his father’s forecourt, but one day he saw something that was to change his life. As he and his father were driving across the island one afternoon, they sped past a Rolls-Royce. Derek was spellbound by the sight (prestige vehicles were rare visitors to such a small island), and implored his dad to turn the car around so he could get out and admire it… That was only the beginning… However, some of you may already know this story – For those of you who don’t, you can find out more about Derek and his fascination with wheels by clicking here.

Classic Car Enthusiasts at The Dunstane Houses

Today Derek is one of the most respected independent prestige vehicle specialists in and around Edinburgh – alongside being the proprietor of one of the city’s most beloved independent hotels. And, thanks to the obsession of an eight-year-old Orkney engine enthusiast, guests of the Dunstane Houses now have a fleet of classic cars at their disposal – whether for a bespoke guided city tour or an airport pick-up with style.

In the years that have followed, his collection has grown tremendously; Bentleys, Jaguars, Aston Martins, Morgans – the most celebrated marques of British automotive engineering and many more. Many of them vintage models dating back to the golden age of driving. “British cars may drip oil and they may break down every so often,’ he says, “but they have a heart and soul that other manufacturers cannot hope to recreate.”

At this very moment we have a beautiful selection of sports, classic and luxury cars right outside our hotel. If you’d like a closer look then feel free to ask one of our members of staff to arrange a viewing. You can see all of Derek’s cars by clicking here, however in the meantime here are just some of the outstanding examples that Derek has on sale.

1961 Bentley Series Ii 6.8 2dr

Capri Blue with Blue Leather, Surely the nicest example you are likely to see of a S2 Mulliner 2 door Continental. A 3″ thick file of invoicing accompanies, fresh out of a £440,000 restoration. With very little effort, this car could compete at concours level on an international scale.

1991 Bentley Continental 6.8 2dr

Royal Blue Metallic with Magnolia Hide, As far as 1990,s classic Rolls and Bentley is concerned, this model must be as desirable and as rare as owning a plot of land at Hyde Park Corner ! Finished in the ultimate colour combination, and bearing the ultimate pedigree. Only a very limited production run compared with the Corniche, with around just 45 examples believed to have been built in RHD form.

2011 Jaguar XK 5.0 V8 Portfolio 2dr

Indigo Blue Metallic with Sandstone Leather, An impeccable example, finished in a highly desirable colour combination suited to this model. Only 2 owners from new, accompanied by a perfect up to date Jaguar Main Dealer service history. Superbly specified.

2005 Aston Martin Vantage 4.3 V8 2dr

Mercury Silver with Obsidian Black Leather, A really special example will jump out from the crowd, and this one does just that !.. Originally registered to Aston Martin new, and specified with virtually every option available at that time. Being finished in the perfect colour combination makes this car even more appealing.

Make it an Experience

Buying a car should always be an enjoyable experience, however, sometimes it can drag on a bit, especially if the car is in another country and you need to travel extensively to get to it. That’s where having The Dunstane Houses comes in remarkably handy. We would highly recommend, if possible, making your car buying experience a special one by staying with us for a few nights and using the hotel as a base to explore our beautiful country. for a start, the scenery is amazing and some of the roads near us are superb- Click here to see just some of the things to see in Scotland. Why not bring along a loved one for your trip and enjoy a bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne on arrival to your romantic Orkney suite? To see our current offers please click here, alternatively Derek will assist you if you’d like to stay with us as well.

A Thorough Job

Not only does Derek sell cars but he also buys them, takes part exchanges and will assist with arranging finance- you’ll also get Derek’s knowledge and expertise, so if you get the chance, don’t hesitate to ask him questions, he’s an enthusiast at the end of the day. Derek’s attention to detail is second to none and being so people focused- you won’t be disappointed.

In the meantime, If you fancy something newer, older, faster, something a bit special or just fancy a change, Derek will definitely be able to assist you.